‘Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice’ is a dark, messy comic book slugfest
If you are expecting The Dark Knight Returns or so fun filled, action packed throw down between Batman and Superman in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, then you will be disappointed. In fact, other than the casual fan and Zack Snyder’s family, I don’t know who be satisfied with the Warner Bros/DCU blockbuster.
The trailers revealed much, too much, so enjoy the film more by staying clear of previews and trailers. Dawn of Justice spends most of the first half of the film adding depth to the Man of Steel ending which leveled much of Metropolis. Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne takes center stage after a unnecessary recap of his parents brutal murder, racing into the chaos to save those trapped inside a Wayne Enterprises building or standing under the falling debris.
Superman (Henry Cavill) battles Zod in the background, devastating more buildings before another layer of anti-Superman is added with a botched rescue of Lois Lane. This is just the first real big issue with Superman: he behaves like a love struck teenager, unable to live a normal life. Wayne’s obsession and detective work puts him on the lead of a Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) scheme and the introduction of Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot).
The conflict orchestrated by Luthor to pit the duo against one another is actually believable, but the battle itself fails to make an impression. Even the subsequent showdown with Doomsday showcases Wonder Woman more than either of the titular characters. Comic book fans will see the twists and turns coming as they formulate their long list of grievances, a list that should be published here as well.
Dawn Justice is about transitioning from Man of Steel to the formation of the Justice League films. Snyder is in over his head with unneeded religious references and a repetitive flashback to Batman’s origins. So many of the best lines and moments were spoiled in the promotional material that I felt like this was my third screening.
After a big opening, the poor reviews may make studio execs nervous with their ambitious franchise of films slated out til 2020. BvS is entertaining, will Affleck turning in a fantastic performance as Bruce Wayne and making a satisfactory Batman. Amy Adams also stood out as a Lois Lane done really well: a damsel in distress because she’s always chasing a big story.
Overall Dawn of Justice receives 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars
Marvel Studios owns the DCU in every way. It’s hard to believe the iconic characters of comic book history would be reduced to such derivative onscreen versions, but Warner has always struggled with these films.
Nice write…I agree with most except for the 2.5 out of 5. I felt Ben did a great job because of what the director got out of him. Henry is the new Christopher Reeves and adds what is needed to the character (not easy for me to compare him to the the first and best). I liked how they didn’t put too much into the relationship of Lois and Superman but made it real with the chemistry in justice. DC has a slim but decent chance to gain a little ground on Marvel, but they have to nail it in the next installments (suicide squad, Aqua man…..). There are 2 almost but close enough to perfect movies, that shocked me with the quality, 1. Avengers and 2. Man of Steel. Overall the movie was good/ great. You know technically there are enough fans of superheroes that want to spend their $ on both franchises to break up the monotony. Disney has some powerful writers and talent Though. Bottom line is we are the winners who get to enjoy all the hard work put on the screen.
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